Miami Hurricanes Win 31-27, Advance to 2026 College Football Playoff

Miami Advances to National championship after Fiesta Bowl Thriller

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) – ⁢Carson Beck’s 3-yard touchdown ⁤scramble ⁢with ‌18 seconds remaining propelled⁢ miami to a 31-27 victory over Mississippi in ‌a thrilling ⁣College Football ‌Playoff ⁢semifinal⁤ at the Fiesta Bowl ⁢on⁤ Thursday‍ night. ‌The win sends the Hurricanes home to ​South Florida ‍with a chance to win their ‌first national championship since 2001.

“We​ never​ flinched,” Beck said, ⁣after throwing for 268 yards and two touchdowns with one interception.”In the face of adversity, when we had ⁣to respond, we responded.”

The 10th-ranked ‌Hurricanes (13-2) earned a ⁣controversial spot in the CFP – at least outside‌ of South Florida – but proved their worth. They​ will face either⁢ top-ranked Indiana or No. 5 Oregon in the national title game on Jan. ‌19.

Miami reached the CFP semifinals by holding Texas A&M and reigning​ national champion Ohio State to a ‌combined 17 points. They then contained the high-scoring Rebels ⁤(13-2) for three quarters before a frantic⁣ fourth-quarter ⁤finish.

Malachi Toney’s⁣ 36-yard touchdown⁤ reception on a screen ⁢pass gave Miami a ⁤24-19 lead.

Mississippi responded ⁣with ⁢a drive⁣ led by Trinidad chambliss, ⁤who ⁣connected with Dae’Quan Wright for a 24-yard ⁤touchdown with 3:13 left.

Beck then orchestrated the game-winning drive for Miami.